SANTA CLARA — Rumors and reports will swirl around the San Francisco 49ers (1-12) for the rest of December. Saddle up, partners.
49ers broadcaster Ted Robinson was the latest to chime in, and he lent credibility to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora’s report that the team was considering a major power structure overhaul, which may or may not include CEO Jed York relinquishing power.
“I do know that the concept of having the higher authority, football person, executive coming in has been thought about,” Robinson said Tuesday on Murph and Mac. “I know it was thought about last year. It didn’t happen. I don’t know why, but I know the concept — and I keep using that word — is there. If it were to happen this year, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.”
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio refuted La Canfora’s report Monday night, writing that Jed York will still assume power and changes to the 49ers wouldn’t be as dramatic as predicted. Some in the 49ers media room believe Florio’s source is Jed York himself.
But Robinson, who has a unique vantage point traveling and lodging with the 49ers, is not so sure Florio is on the money this time. San Francisco’s two most dreadful losses of the season transpired so far this month against the Bears and Jets.
For the sake of the fan outrage, real changes have to be on the table, Robinson says.
“The 49ers have to answer, they obviously have to answer some hard questions. Can you see something going forward with the current structure? I think after the last two games, I don’t know how that question would be answered yes. Personally, I don’t know how you answer that question yes, and expect your customers, who are investors in many cases in Levi’s Stadium to accept that, right? I don’t see how that can happen. To me, there was finality after Sunday.”